Nobody likes being stuck in an airport for several hours due to a flight delay. When it does happen, it’s always important to remember that it isn’t the fault of the flight attendants on duty. In an incident that took place this past week, an American Airlines gate agent in Alabama had to speak out. Her flight attendants were being mistreated due to a long delay. And frankly, she wasn’t having any of that.
Everybody was feeling the stress of the day from Flight 5270 being delayed an astounding seven and a half hours. The gate agent stood up for her co-workers and addressed the group, stating, “When you get on that aircraft, let me tell y’all something. Don’t get smart with my flight attendants.” She then went on to add, “They have a hard day just like we do… So please, y’all please, I’m asking. Do it for me. Be nice to them.”
The gate agent then proceeds to lighten the mood, “Hey, you on this floor, now where you goin’?” she says to a baby in the area. It takes a cool but assertive attitude to handle a situation like this. She knew exactly what to do and did so with grace!
There were hundreds of responses to the incident on the initial Instagram post. The majority were on the gate agent’s side, agreeing she had the right to say something, not to mention protecting the interests of her team after a long day.
One commenter who recognized the agent said, “She is so dope! I love her!! I enjoy her working my flights out of Birmingham Alabama! Extremely personable and genuine!” while another commenter stated, “Her delivery was perfect: Light-hearted enough not to piss people off, yet stern enough to get people to pay attention.” Several current and former airline employees also gave props to her for her delivery, stating that they understand what attendants and agents alike go through on a daily basis.
The truth is, people are just out here in our current times trying to get by. You may have somewhere to go, but no matter what, the airlines are going to make sure that you get there. And no one’s intentionally stopping you from traveling. Patience, understanding, and respect can go a long way in many aspects of life, including for those who choose flying from one place to another. Remember: it’s nothing personal!
